My Journey Building a ‘Box of 100’ CAC Type Set

After stepping away from coin collecting for almost a decade, I’ve returned with a renewed passion. My most exciting project? Building a ‘Box of 100’ type set. The concept grabbed me – a fixed-size collection focusing on affordable, CAC-approved US coins that tell our numismatic story. I’ll walk you through my approach, lessons learned, and some practical tips from my journey so far.

Why the ‘Box of 100’ Works for Me

Type collecting always appealed to me because it celebrates design evolution without drowning you in date-and-mintmark sets. The ‘Box of 100’ rule is beautifully simple: only 100 coins allowed. Want to add something new? You’ve got to let go of another piece. This keeps the collection focused and manageable. My theme centers on business strike coins from half cents to gold eagles, all within that sweet spot of $50 to $500 each. While I prioritize CAC stickers for quality peace of mind, I appreciate the character in mixed grades – from well-loved circulated pieces to fresh mint-state examples that fit my budget.

The Rules That Keep Me Sane

To avoid collector’s drift, I set firm guidelines that shape a cohesive set. Here’s what works for me:

• Stick to US Mint issues or early contractors like the Fugio Cent
• Business strikes only (with rare exceptions for special mint sets)
• Only designs I genuinely love – skipping many modern types for richer history
• All coins slabbed by PCGS, NGC, or CACG for authenticity
• CAC sticker whenever possible – that extra confidence matters
• Hold the line at $50–$500 per coin

This discipline has sharpened my eye – I’ve already parted with a few coins that lost their spark, like my 1900-S dime and 1853 three-cent piece, making room for better fits.

Grading Lessons Learned

Submitting coins to NGC, PCGS, and CAC taught me plenty. That green CAC sticker? It’s like a quality seal that often boosts value – no wonder 65 of my 83 coins wear one proudly. I don’t chase uniform grades – my set spans AG3 to MS70 – but CAC helps confirm each piece is right for its grade. Take my 1795 Liberty Cap cent: graded AG3 but with such original charm it outshines many finer examples.

Slab care matters too. I’ve reholdered several coins due to scratches or cloudy plastic, like an 1854 half cent. PCGS’s in-slab photography is worth it for documentation, and I’ll admit a soft spot for older ‘Fatty’ NGC slabs. When choosing coins, I lean toward slabs with character – bonus points for those crisp full-body images.

Inside My Collection Today

With 83 coins nestled in the box, I’m closing in on the century mark. Here’s the current breakdown:

• Denominations: Half dollars lead with 16, followed by quarters (11) and cents (12). Still hunting types like a Draped Bust cent
• Grades: Everything from AG to MS70, with MS65 being most common (16 coins) – proof great quality doesn’t always mean big money
• Value Spread: Most between $50-$350; only a few nudged past $500
• CAC Stickers: 65 green, 2 gold, and 15 awaiting submission

Standouts include my 1875-S twenty-cent piece in XF40 and 1913 Buffalo nickel in MS65, both with strong CAC approval. The 1943-S steel cent in MS66? Always a conversation starter.

What’s Next – and Tips for Your Journey

I’m actively hunting for those last 17 spots, targeting types like a Lincoln Memorial cent (1959–1982) or modern Jefferson nickel. Dream additions? An affordable Draped Bust half dollar or chopmarked Trade dollar. If you’re building your own set, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Buy the best you can: Mixed grades add visual texture and keep costs sane – no need for all mint-state
• Trust CAC: Especially for circulated coins where eye appeal makes all the difference
• Celebrate variety: Mix denominations and eras to tell America’s coinage story
• Stay ruthless: If a coin doesn’t sing to you anymore, let it find a new home

This project has completely reignited my love for coins. It’s a pocket-friendly way to hold history, and I’m itching to share updates when I finally hit that 100-coin finish line!